Saturday, September 12, 2009

One of the biggest state of India, Rajasthan, is rich in history, culture and heritage. The state incorporates stories of glories of valor and chivalry. It remained for the most of the part independent from various dynasties which gives it a significant place in Indian history. The Bargujars, Rajputs, Nath, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Gujars, Meenas hold prominence in historical scenario of Rajasthan as they are key contributers in history of Rajasthan. The warrior tribes of Rajasthan also helped in making of Rajasthan history. The Ramayana, Mahabharata also have references of Pushkar, the abode of holy Brahma Temple.

Advent of Rajputs

The ingression of Rajputs was the turning point in the history of Rajasthan. There came a void after the decline of Gupta dynasty. The fickleness in that period made the empires flourishing and declining. With the coming of GurjaraPratiharas in the 6th - 7th century, there came some stability. They are regraded as the early Rajputs. This clan conferred "Rajputana" term. These Rajputs were classified into two groups - the Suryavanshis (Solar race) and the Indivanshis (Lunar race). Later Agnikula, 'Fire born' were added to them. The dynasties of Chauhans, Kachhwahas, Rathores and Sisodias were an offshoot of Rajput clan.

Rajasthan During Colonialism

A plethora of historical events happened in the 19th century when the East India Company came to India. The Britishers came as traders but turned into invaders. The feuding parties in Rajasthan were treated neutrally by the British. Negotiation of treaties became of prime importance at that time. The Britishers made the Rajputs a mere puppet of their hands and dragged back the Marathas. The kings were enjoying while the subjects were discontented. Later by the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi, the peasants were galvanized.

Rajasthan Got Independence

With the defeat in World War II, the Britishers could not fulfill their dream of spreading their empire. The consequence of British defeat in the World War was that it had no substantial power to expand its empire. But India was facing different kind of a problem. The Muslim majority thought that the Independent India would be Hindu dominated country and so Mohamed Ali Jinnah lead the Muslim League on behalf of all Muslims in India.

1947 brought independence for India and at that time the boundaries of Rajasthan were also defined. In the state had south and south eastern states of Rajputana but later merged Mewar and made Udaipur its capital. To ensure safety from Pakistan, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer were amalgamated into the state of Rajasthan. The kingdom of Matsya including Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli and Dholpur were merged in Rajasthan.